The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) looks set for a sweeping win in Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears on track to secure his fifth consecutive term as early trends placed the NDA far ahead of its rivals. The alliance was leading in 200 out of 243 seats, giving it a commanding position in the state.

Nitish Kumar remains the longest-serving chief minister in Bihar’s history.

By 1:30 pm, the NDA had already crossed its 2020 tally of 122 seats. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan was ahead in only 38 seats. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party had not opened its account.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav held a lead in Raghopur. Other high-profile candidates include Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, JJD’s Tej Pratap, and Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar.

Vote counting began at 8 am. Most exit polls predicted a strong NDA victory, with the JD(U) playing a key role in the alliance. However, Tejashwi Yadav brushed aside those predictions and asserted that the Mahagathbandhan would win with a “thumping majority.”

The state saw a historic voter turnout of 67.13% in the two-phase election held on November 6 and 11.

Anant Singh Widens Lead in Mokama Despite Jail Term

JDU leader and strongman Anant Singh secured victory in the Mokama seat in Patna. The results came in even as he remains in jail for his alleged involvement in the murder of a Jan Suraaj Party supporter. Despite being behind bars, he widened his lead and won the seat comfortably.